11

After their ride Ianto headed back to his chambers to bathe and change his clothing before the afternoon banquet Jack's parents had demanded. He was not sure how to feel about all the fussing but knew Jack loved it and the bond shared the delight in the man so… Ianto could live vicariously I guess.

He entered his inner chambers and removed the soiled riding jacket, folding it neatly before placing it in the basket for the wash, then froze as he found someone standing in the middle of the room watching him.

She raised her head slightly as if challenging him and he looked at her with open confusion. Then she moved her head slightly and something glinted in her hair. Ah right. A crown? Seriously You come packing?

"Your highness" Ianto said softly to the first wife of his bondmate "I was not expecting you."

"Clearly" she said flatly, looking around the room with disinterest "This was mine once. Then I gave him a child and gained an entire wing."

Bully for you.

"Jackson tells me you are a wonderful mother and your daughter is the apple of his eye. Bar a male heir, she might rule one day. You must b so proud" Ianto said as he watched her move to one of his many dressers to fiddle with something. "careful Mi' Lady… that blade has poison on the tip."

Her hand froze and she gently placed the dagger back on the posing bock "Why have something so nasty in here?"

"For unwanted guests."

She swung to look at him and he grinned, then he motioned her towards the little table and chairs for writing and such "Come… tell me what I may assist with today my dear."

"I just wanted a look at you. You are so… hidden with those robes and I was not allowed in the bonding room" she sniffed.

"Yes, I do apologize for that but it is a sacred thing… if I can be honest I was not sure I even wanted to be in there. Old priests, old robes and old candles… old words and puffing of chests. But it has worked, has it not? Now that Jackson is recovering himself, maybe soon he will feel well enough to visit you and your little sweetling… Alice." Ianto settled and folded his legs as he took in her look of… fear?

"Mi' Lady…you fear a male heir taking your daughter's claim to the crown?" Ianto canted his head "I myself, am one of eighteen. My oldest brother is almost a stranger to me yet one day... one day my father shall give the family firm to him. Is her majesty not inclined to listen to your thoughts on this? Many realms have a chain of succession that is not based on gender. First born is the born ruler regardless of sex."

Lucia looked at him with surprise "You speak as if another might come."

"Well… you are one of four women in his harem … my father has many women... and men. The chances of Jack siring another child now he is strong once more is almost certain. For if our own bonding progresses to sexual feelings then a child may develop. The male of your kind can produce, correct?"

"Only if one bows and Jackson is to be king" she laughed as if he were stupid. "He will never bend to you!"

Ah. They did not know. Owen had kept his secret. They did not know that royal blood and mixed with royal blood and neither is stronger or weaker one blood bonded. Huh. She did not know Elvish men can reproduce too? Huh. Ianto had hoped that their first meeting would be good, a fruitful joining of the family and he might be welcomed into their fold. Now he saw that the more things change, the more they stay the same. He was being rejected for being different.

Ok.

Be that way.

Ianto rose and she did automatically as well, then to her shock he sized her elbow and started to match her toward the door as she snarled "How dare you… I am the High Princess!"

"And I am the High Prince's Heartbeat. I trump you madam!" Ianto said as he shoved her out and closed the door, then he turned to find the connecting door between his chambers and Jack's was open and Jack was leaning on the doorframe with the drapes pulled to one side where he had seen watching the entire exchange unseen.

"Wow… you move fast."

"She seemed to be in a hurry" Ianto agreed, walking over to stand and face him "and you? You think I am in the wrong place?"

"I am beginning to think a great many tings about you Ianto but not a single one of them involves you not being here" Jack said with a wide smile. "She is right though… you cannot make me the wife here."

Ianto knew he had to explain himself, had to tell him that they shared the same ranking and he was about to open his mouth to blurt out the entire story when the outer door opened and Owen rushed in "Ah... there you are."

"Yes Owen. Damn… you found me. Right. Your turn to go hide… run along and I shall search for you presently" Ianto said and Owen stooped walking, freezing to stare at him, then he started to roar with mirth.

Owen actually turned to leave and looked over his shoulder, calling out "Wanted to ask if you need anything but clearly.. I have to run."

"One Hundred… ninety nine… ninety eight…." Ianto laughed and made as if to chase him and Owen squealed, running from the room as Jack walked over to stand in front of Ianto "Tell me something… what is it with you? You do not act like a commoner, clearly you are of the Royal House… you parents were court? Owen said something about you being of the royal family… I was so tired …. "

Ianto wondered if he should tell him then his eyes narrowed. Actually… isn't that something Jack should have asked Owen already? Maybe… maybe it is not Ianto's job to be the one to tell Jack all the facts of life. Owen had tried already had he? Hang on… of course Owen would have… looks like Jack wanted to play silly beggars huh? Well now… a game is afoot?

After all… Ianto did actually like games.

Speaking of which.

"Excuse me your Highness… I am in the middle of a game." Ianto then walked from the room in long strides, his taught arse on display with the tight waistcoat and tucked in shirt normally hidden by the over jacket he usually wore. "OWEN … COMING READY OR NOT!"

Jack found himself following.

Enthralled.